Abronia vilosa
Desert Sand Verbena
Wildflower annual. Despite its name, this is not a Verbena but looks much like one. With the right recipe for rain, the purple flowers of Desert Sand Verbena are a common sight in late winter-early spring, carpeting sand dunes in desert areas. Start from seed sown in place in the fall.
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Alcea rosea
Hollyhock
This is an iconic "grandma's garden" perennial or biennial often grown as an annual. It is old-fashioned but still fun to grow. Consider it a back-of-the-border plant due to its height, what can reach more than 6 feet. Available in a wide range of flower colors. Reseeds readily to extend plantings.
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Antirrhinum majus
Snapdragon
Plant snapdragons from containers or nursery packs in late winter to early spring. Prolific flowers come in many colors that are good for cutting for bouquets.
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Calendula officinalis
Calendula
Start from plants in containers or nursery packs early in spring. Vigorous growth to 1-1/2 feet high, sometimes more. Sprawling growth habit. Good flowers for cutting.
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Castilleja exserta
Owl's Clover
Wildflower annual, sow seeds where you want plants to grow in early fall. Height and width are actually less than 1 foot, so place where you can enjoy the flowers close-up.
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Catharanthus roseus
Periwinkle, Vinca
A cold-tender perennial most often grown as an annual. Start from plants in containers or nursery packs in spring. One of the better bedding plants for hot-summer regions. It is available in a wide range of flower colors. Appreciates regular diluted applications of fertilizer to keep plants healthy and growing strong.
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Chrysanthemum x morifolium
Garden Chrysanthemum, Hardy Mum
Plant Garden Chrysanthemum from containers in late summer to early fall. Available in a wide range of colors and flower forms, including daisy, pompon, anemone, spider and more. This is the traditional, easy-to-grow, fall-bloomer. Canopy coverage: 3 square feet.
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Cosmos bipinnatus
Southwestern Cosmos
Cosmos puts on quite the color show, with flowers available in many bright colors. Plant from seeds in the fall or set out from containers or nursery packs in the spring.
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Datura wrightii
Sacred Datura, Jimson Weed
First, a word of caution: All plant parts are poisonous. Avoid planting if children frequent planting areas. This is a rough, rank-smelling plant with large, coarse leaves and stunning, fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom at night, at home in a moonlight garden. Commonly volunteers in disturbed areas. Plant from seed in late winter to early spring to avoid frost. Can be a short-lived perennial in mild-winter regions. Canopy coverage: 28 square feet.
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Dianthus species
Dianthus, Sweet William
This broad group of plants include biennials—plants that live for two years—or perennials, which have a longer lifespan. However, they are often grown as annuals in most regions. Set out from containers or nursery packs in fall. They are among the best annuals for shady locations.
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Eschscholzia californica
California Poppy
This wildflower is very popular—likely the most popular wildflower, period. California Poppy is a shortlived perennial most often grown as an annual. It is known to naturalize in many regions of California and the Southwest. Plant seeds where you want plants to grow in the fall.
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Eschscholzia californica mexicana
Mexican Gold Poppy
Mexican Gold Poppy is a wildflower annual that is very similar to California Poppy. According to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: "The first leaves on seedlings of Mexican Gold Poppy are linear and undivided, whereas on seedlings of California Poppy they are divided in a Y-shape." Generally speaking, Mexican Gold Poppy tends to be more yellow-gold, and plants may be smaller. Technically a biennial, but most often grown as an annual. Plant seeds in the fall.
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Felicia amelloides
Blue Marguerite
A profuse blooming perennial or annual, depending on the winter low temperature of where it's grown. Accepts full sun but prefers some afternoon shade in warm inland regions; can be difficult in hottest desert climates. Daisylike, sky blue flowers with bright yellow centers are about 1-1/2 inches across. Cut back in late summer to renew. Canopy coverage: 7 square feet.
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Gaillardia pulchella
Blanket Flower
Wildflower annual that is an aggressive grower that is often included in wildflower seed mixes. Dependable summer bloom. Sow seeds where you want plants to grow in fall or spring.
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Helianthus annuus
Sunflower
Annual Sunflowers are easy to grow, dramatic due to their size, and provide edible seeds to both people and birds. Sow seeds in place in spring. New selections with a range of flower colors are available, in addition to the traditional sunny yellow. Also consider dwarf selections if garden space is at a premium.
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Impatiens species
Impatiens
Impatiens are the go-to choice for color in the shade, even full shade. Can be grown as a perennial in frost-free regions, but usually grown as a bedding plant annual. Set out from nursery packs or containers in spring.
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Ipomoea purpurea
Morning Glory
Morning Glory is a temporary vine known for its rapid growth and large, trumpet-shaped flowers. Provide supports for its twining growth. Cultivars are available in a range of colors but the common variety is a purple-blue. Easy to start from seed, either indoors to set out as transplants after frost has passed, or directly in place.
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Lathyrus odoratus
Sweet Pea
Sweet Peas are vining annuals and require supports on which to climb, growing to 6 feet tall or more. Start from seeds or plants in fall. Most selections emit a sweet fragrance. Many flower colors are available; plants labeled "old-fashioned" tend to have the strongest fragrance.
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Layia platyglossa compestris
Tidy-Tips
Wildflower annual, start from seeds in fall, or, if you live in a cold-winter region, plant in spring. Plantings may naturalize (spread on their own) after one or two seasons. Flowers are bright yellow tipped with a white fringe.
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Linum grandiflorum 'Rubrum'
Scarlet Flax
Wildflower annual, start from seeds in the fall. Additional water extends bloom period.
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Lobelia erinus
Lobelia
Lobelia is a cold-tender perennial grown as an annual. It is low-growing and offers flowers in pleasing shades of blue. Nice when used in containers to drape over the edges. Can sometimes reseed to extend plantings.
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